Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Most Magical Place in the World Past Review

By (Providence College) - abroad from 02/14/2012 to 06/27/2012 with

Arcadia: Auckland - University of Auckland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad made me a more independent and confident person. I found myself doing, and loving activities I never thought I'd do in my lifetime. I learned about an entirely different side to myself while learning about the world from an entirely different lens. It was absolutely worthwhile! I would not have changed a thing. It should be mandatory..

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $100 a week, not including weekend trips and travel
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself! Even if you never have before! You'll start off eating pb&j's but believe me, you'll learn a lot about yourself and your way around the kitchen and it is impressive.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Arcadia staff from New Zealand made me feel right at home and were literally a phone call away at any time of day. They really looked out for us and cared about each of our personal well being.
  • Some weekend trips were already planned by the program and paid for in our program fee. It was great to have some things already planned out for us
* What could be improved?
  • The only thing I can really think of that has room for improvement is choosing classes before going to New Zealand. I really didn't have any idea of what classes abroad students typically take and that might help a bit.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I would have two INCREDIBLE women that would be there as motherly figures to not only give us ideas for adventures, but hugs when we needed one. That would have eased some pre-departure nerves!